The MRC Epidemiology Unit studies the genetic, developmental and environmental factors that cause obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders, as well as approaches to the prevention of these diseases and their consequences.

Our research programmes

The department also hosts the Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), one of five UKCRC funded centres of excellence in public health research, which is a partnership with the University of East Anglia and intra-mural MRC units in Cambridge.

CEDAR studies the factors that influence dietary and physical activity related behaviours, developing and evaluating public health interventions, and helping shape public health practice and policy. Information on the research programmes within CEDAR can be found here.

Studies

The Unit’s programmes are supported by a core set of prospective cohort studies, detailed quantitative trait metabolic studies, case-control studies and trials that serve both aetiological and preventive purposes. Read more.

Research support

Underpinning all Unit scientific programmes are specialist Research Support teams which are primarily involved in data collection, measurement and providing core scientific infrastructure, to support the active research studies and manage legacy study resources. Read more.

Data sharing

The MRC Epidemiology Unit data sharing portal provides access to our study meta-data. It includes summary details of our studies and data dictionaries which describe the types of data that are available. Read more.

Research Integrity

We aim to achieve our research aims while adhering to the highest ethical standards and working in accordance with requirements of the University of Cambridge and MRC policy and guidance, legislation and guidance from regulatory bodies as well as local ethical and governance frameworks. The Unit also acts in accordance with the Clinical School policies which can be found on the Research Governance website and the Information Governance website.These standards for good research practice underpin the quality of science and ensure the integrity of outputs. This provides assurance to those whose work builds on the findings of others to drive improvements in health and also supports public confidence and participation in research.